What temperature should my baby turtle's water and basking area be?

Thanks for reaching out. The water temperature should be around 70-75 F, but the basking site can be in the low 90s. This needs to be measured with a thermometer to prevent burns. If the turtles are too scared they will not bask well, as feel safer in the water. Good luck.

Check the water, ambient and basking spot temperatures. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Ideally, the turtle should be in a 10 gallon tank. Water depth should be no more than twice the shell length. Use a filter to maintain water quality and a small heater to keep it between 82F and 85F. There should also be a basking area easily reached out of the water that should range between 85F and 88F. A UVB light source, proper diet and calcium and vitamin supplementation will promote shell health. If all this is provided and the turtle is still lethargic, consider a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one at the link below. The second link will provide more information regarding the care of sliders. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about your aquatic turtle. Water temperature needs to be kept warm for nutrient absorption. Without pictures, it is difficult to assess the shell. Insects are important for these young animals but all worms/insects need to be gut loaded for nutrients, as otherwise are bags of fat. High calcium levels are important for shell strength. Good luck.

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It would help to know what type of turtle you have, as the best housing setups will differ a bit from one species to another. However, the short answer is YES - they can absolutely feel cold! Since a turtle can't regulate its own temperature, they are quite sensitive to the temperature of their environment, and if they are too cool they won't eat or digest well. It is important to have a thermometer in your turtle's environment so you can regulate the temperature and make adjustments as needed. Most turtles will have a heat lamp to provide temperature gradient in their enclosure. Hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out about Leo. Many aquatic turtles won't bask if they feel safe. Also if the air is cool, and the heat lamp over the basking site not adequate, they might be warmer in the water. If the heat lamp is too close and too hot, Leo might feel uncomfortable. Check out those parameters and fix any problems. Good luck.

It could be local infection. Monitor it for change or growth. You can gently cleanse the area using diluted betadine or chlorhexidine once or twice daily. Confirm adequate water quality to prevent secondary infection and to promote healing. Consider increasing the water and basking temperatures by a few degrees to aid in recovery. Ideally, a UVB light source should be provided for 12-14 hours daily. It should be no more than 14 inches away from the basking spot and unblocked by either glass or plexiglass for maximum benefits. If the spot does not heal or spreads, have Tabby examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can read more about care at this link: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

One hour of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day should be sufficient until you get the bulbs. Do not mistake a basking light (which provides heat) for a UVB light which provides beneficial (and necessary) UVB rays. Make sure the nighttime temperatures do not get too cool.